⚡️ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's statement on the attack on the Natra and Tsirkon vessels in the Sea of Azov (June 5, 2026)

💬 According to information received from the competent Russian authorities, in the early hours of June 5, the Natra and Tsirkon vessels, sailing from Turkiye to the port of Rostov-on-Don under the flags of Belize and Palau respectively, were attacked in the Sea of Azov.

There are dead and wounded on both vessels, including citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The injured sailors received assistance from a passing Russian vessel and a border unit of Russia’s Federal Security Service.

We express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

The circumstances of the incident are being established. According to available information, the vessels were attacked by Ukrainian drones, which once again confirms the terrorist nature of the Kiev regime, which is increasingly targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

We are in close contact with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Moscow and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

The Russian side will provide all necessary assistance to our partners in obtaining information on the circumstances of the incident and ensuring consular access to Azerbaijani citizens.